2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its timeless styling and practical two-box body with flared fenders. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's aggressive front end and chrome accents on the Limited trim set it apart. Inside, the 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with hard plastics and a dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons, emphasizing its utilitarian nature. The Trail and SR5 trims offered various packages, with prices ranging from $46,200 to $62,430, catering to different preferences and needs.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey presented a more modern and family-friendly design. Its sliding side doors and comfortable third-row seating made it a practical choice for families. The Odyssey's exterior featured clean lines and a distinctive kinked sliding door design, while the Touring trim added stylish dark grey 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, the Odyssey offered a spacious and well-appointed cabin with quality leather upholstery and a low console for an open-concept feel. The Odyssey's pricing ranged from $48,305 to $54,805, with the Touring trim priced at $56,806, making it a competitive option for those seeking a versatile family vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Its off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 14.0 L/100 km. The 4Runner's truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but frequent fuel stops were necessary due to its 87-litre fuel tank.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, offered a more refined driving experience. Its front-wheel-drive setup and 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and responsive performance. The Odyssey's fuel consumption was estimated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 10.4 L/100 km. While the Odyssey's brakes exhibited some issues on downhill grades, its overall driving dynamics were enjoyable, making it a practical choice for families seeking a comfortable and efficient minivan.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter individuals to access without running boards. Once inside, passengers found comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The 4Runner's cargo space measured up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seats and 2,540 litres with the seats folded down, providing plenty of room for adventures. The interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient spot for various activities.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Touring featured quality leather upholstery, supportive seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. The minivan's interior was designed for practicality, with numerous storage options and the innovative Magic Slide second-row seats. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, offering 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed. This made it an ideal choice for families needing ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings were basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the system was functional, it lacked the sophistication of more modern setups. The Trail grade included a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area, but overall, the 4Runner's technology was outdated.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring, on the other hand, was equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features. It included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear entertainment system, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was beginning to show its age, with a small screen and limited voice command capabilities. A major upgrade was needed to keep up with competitors.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Odyssey also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. While Honda Sensing lacked some refinement, the Odyssey received high safety ratings, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.